Says Damien (coda), “I took a walk down to Wale Street to catch some of the carnival. There were people everywhere all along the route, down side streets, on balconies. Restaurants and bars smart enough to be open were buzzing, and Long Street was exceptionally busy with a very festive vibe! I watched the parade for an hour and it was very entertaining; the energy in particular was highly addictive.

“I was expecting a more continuous parade of troupes rather than the controlled start/stop which broke the momentum and made it tiring as a spectator, but overall it was a really enjoyable experience, and one that the Mother City and its people should continue to nurture and support.”